Link Up! Mods (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
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linkingup2024-07-30 05:56 pm
linkupmods) wrote in linkingup2024-07-30 05:56 pm
Week 1
WEEK 1
AWAKENING.
- You were taken. That much is obvious when you come to your senses and see the world around you. You feel a little groggy – just how long were you asleep for? – but you should otherwise be alert, enough to realize that the surrounding area is unfamiliar to you. You are in front of what appears to be a modern dormitory (or, well, just a large building, for anyone who's never quite seen anything like it before). The area is decorated with balloons, streamers and other miscellaneous decorations with a giant "WELCOME" banner spanning across the front entrance.
You have a moment to look at the people around you. Strangers. No one here looks familiar to you whatsoever. Furthermore, it feels like there is something stirring in your heart, waiting to be brought to light, waiting to speak your truth...
You might need more time to let that sink in, but that time is interrupted by a voice.
"Oh wow it actually worked- Um, I mean! Hello!"
The speaker is a short, plain-looking young woman with dark hair in a bob cut, her hand raised to catch everyone’s attention.
"Welcome to Sunset City! The goddess Braphine needs your help, so she’s called all of you here to fix this place. Fortunately, it should only take about three months of cooperation, I think? Probably. So...
Welcome to your new home away from home!"
The young woman - Mina - goes on to explain the current situation: everyone here has been summoned by the goddess of community and connection, Braphine, in order to rebuild the connections of the people of Sunset City. Lately, the people have become more and more isolated from each other, getting into fights and arguments over the pettiest of details.
While Mina doesn’t know the details, exactly, what she does know is that the goddess instructed her to prepare these dorms for residents ("that’s you!") and to more or less act as her representative. Mina will also note that everyone’s dorm rooms have already been labeled with their names, and that the goddess has deigned to gift some in particular with the means to defend themselves - which is to say, when characters do eventually make it to their dorm rooms, those who did not arrive with one will find their gifted weapon waiting for them with their name handwritten on a tag attached to the item.
For now, people can use their phones to access an app that will allow them to see any currently open commissions - complete the commissions, and they will not only help the community, but also earn money and rewards! And if your character doesn’t know how to operate a phone, well... Mina will patiently guide them through the process, don’t you worry.
If your character has any other questions, they may talk to her at the party, or otherwise contact her via phone!
WELCOME PARTY.
- After speaking with Mina, you may have an idea of what you're supposed to be doing here. Things don't have to be all work, though, because despite the state of the city, you are allowed to have fun and get to know one another.
Mina has graciously set up a welcome party for everyone, which will have refreshments inside and outside the dorm, and games available for people to partake in throughout the day at their own leisure! Indoors, there are a variety of board games for you to mess around with. Outside, there's a pool, basketball and tennis court set up with appropriate equipment. Of course, you aren't limited to just those, as there's a small open field at the dormitory where you can play ball in other ways, too. Interestingly enough, there are also some training dummies available for you to use...maybe to put your weapons to use?
Don't forget about the arts and crafts section inside, either, where nametags are laid out for you to create your own (or others')! You can also use this section to create decorations for the dormitory, your room, or even something to give to a fellow dorm mate.
EXPLORE.
- You're free to explore the town, too, at your own leisure, to get used to your new home. The city is bustling with people, but for some reason, many of the residents don't have good vibes. They seem unsettled, unhappy for whatever reason. It's not pleasant, but nobody will go out of their way to bother you, unless you trip into them or initiate pvp yourself.…The random trash scattered around various parts of town might make it hard to avoid the former, though. Be careful not to trip on a banana peel, a stray canister, or even something as large as a throwaway tire on the side of the street. The residents will not react positively if you try to interact with them in any capacity.
That being said, for all that the city seems gloomy at a first glance, there is surprisingly an advertisement for a go-kart racing contest coming up in three weeks, and the go-karts are two seaters! The flyers posted around town read that this is a competition for pairs; the driver's seat (left) has a gas pedal, and the passenger's seat (right) has the brake. Looks like the events are being hosted by one of the popular arcades in town, too. Even so, there are prizes for first, second, and third place; the grand prize consists of a good amount of cash, a trophy, and one (1) free night at one of the hotels in Carnation Court for both people. Why not team up with someone and enter the competition, or just find some people to practice with?
(OOC: Please see our OOC section for sign up details.)
NETWORK.
- So, about those phones...there's a non-zero chance that you may post your live thoughts onto the network without meaning to. Likewise, you may also unwillingly comment on someone's post with your thoughts while reading it. Yes, this phone grabs from your psyche, for better or worse! Well, mostly worse, but oh well. There isn't a fix for this "bug" just yet, but you can still use the network intentionally! Just don't be surprised if you get a bunch of notifications for a post you didn't even know you made.
COMMISSIONS
OOC
READ ME!!!!
- Welcome to your event log! Currently, Personas and Elements are NOT in play but you have your weapons with you regardless. These things will be unlocked when we introduce the Nekyia in Week 2.
- Please use the OOC PLOTTING POST for all plotting purposes. Please do not plot in Discord.
- If you would like to sign up for the Go-Kart Contest, please fill out the form and submit it here! There will be a follow up to this in a Week 4 mini event. :)
- Furthermore, we have a very big series of events we are planning to do in later weeks. We will OOCly give details and open signups early in Week 2, with the introduction of the Nekyia. Keep an eye out for that as well!
ii, leading into Top Models soon!
This does very little to make him feel human, because he's still wearing a sweaty, bloody, ripped-up pilot suit. Since he appears to not be dying again anytime soon, McGillis' first order of business is rectifying this situation.
The modeling assignment is almost a little too perfect for it - but he can't do it alone. So he thinks to himself that he ought to find the most flamboyant person he saw at the party and rope them into it, so he can get away with wall-flowering comparatively.
Having Argenti approach him first, once he finally finds him, suits him very well. He smiles - very put together, very charming, if you ignore the mess that is his outfit situation. ]
Certainly, if I might trouble you for a moment of yours thereafter.
no subject
It seems that people arriving in a bloodied state is not unusual. But! He thinks that his approaching means he can be of much assistance indeed. He meets McGillis smile head on even whilst taking in mind.
Even before this, he is no stranger to greeting or being kind to those covered in blood or disarray. ]
Oh, it shall not be any trouble, my new companion! Indeed, I was hoping to find a most valiant and brilliant attendee for the modeling request. Do you believe you shall find yourself amenable to such participation?
...Provided, of course, you are uninjured.
no subject
If only you knew how many times I've been asked that today... I'm healthy as can be, the goddess took care of that.
[ He cannot wait to be rid of the lingering concern about his safety. Even if he is not actually physically vulnerable right now, it puts him in a position of being fawned over and it is deeply uncomfortable. ]
And it turns out that I won't have to trouble you, nor are you troubling me in the slightest. I was going to ask you for the same thing.
no subject
[ Including that a good number of them would care to ask in the first place. Just knowing that McGillis isn't as injured as he may be is good enough to alleviate his concerns at the moment. If he has internal injuries, he thinks that'd show regardless. ]
Perhaps this means that it was fate! [ He spreads his hands outwards, smiling widely and enthusiastically. ] A fortuitous, blessed meeting that only spells how well we are to show ourselves as extraordinary models bestowing our beautiful appearance for all to see! Come, let us away to the boutique where our destiny awaits!
[ Just like that, Argenti begins to lead the blond to the boutique, enthusiastically. ]
Oh! By the way, is this your first time modeling?
no subject
It is - unless you count posing for formal photographs of my family or the military.
[ McGillis knows how to present his best side to a camera, but not in the carefree summer fun way that this task is likely looking for. ]
It seems to me that you're an expert, so I'll be in your care.
no subject
I would count it. Even if it is in a formal setting. Though, I suppose it might be different here...
...So, such as it is I can very much promise that you'll be in good hands! You'll be posing so un-formally, it'll be like you have opened your heart to the most wildest and brightest forms of Beauty! I am certain that must be of great comfort to you, right?
[ That sure is a statement, huh. This Knight of Beauty enthusiastically throws open the door to the sullen photographer, sparkling in a blinding radiance. ]
My new companion and I have arrived! How shall we be of service to you today?
[ The sullen photographer looks up at them and just gets out two pairs of full-bodied swimsuits that have little smiley sun-esque faces that are smiling with sunglasses.
...Could be worse? ]
no subject
--- what on Earth is that. ]
... you've put out a call for a large number of models, so I'm assuming you have a number of outfits to cover. Can we please see the remaining selection?
[ The photographer, predictably, rolls his eyes. This is what he's just gotten out and that's what they're getting. ]
I think we'd to better modeling something that we feel fully comfortable in. You want your advertisement to feel authentic, I assume.
[ BACK HIM UP HERE, ARGENTI. ]
no subject
Anyway, Argenti looks thoughtful in the face of McGillis' criticism. Not because he disagrees, but for once he honestly has no idea what to make of it. It isn't like he's against such a full-bodied outfit.
It's just, so much mostly of a color he does not typically adorn. ]
...My fellow new companion is simply curious about seeing what better ways we can embody Beauty in the outfits that you must certainly have on display! Please, if you must understand, this dilemma is quite grand, and can be resolved if you feel most certainly kind to see what else you have in your selection...
[ The photographer's sullen face starts to grow pinched, maybe because of Argenti's words...or because he won't stop yapping. ]
...Indeed, you will be doing us quite a great favor! And we will humbly be ready to follow you exact requests in other outfits were we to know of any other far more fitting choices. Does it not gladden you that we can be of utmost assistance to your undoubtedly important needs? If we can do it with far more confidence, does it not do well in helping us all? If we are in the position to show the true radiant self that is uncovered by-
[ It seems the grump has met has match and pleads for Argenti to just Stop Talking, before getting out more clothing. There's some hideously orange-neon bright short-sleeved t-shirts and shorts (shirt that says "summer fun :)" in black text), alongside some swim shorts with sandals that look passable, and then finally, an open summer jacket and blue regular shorts as well as sunglasses. ]
no subject
McGillis is very content to let Argenti talk and talk and talk, just nodding very solemnly in the background. (It's intensely satisfying to see the photographer's face grow more and more sour with every newly started sentence.)
He smiles very pleasantly when the photographer finally cuts Argenti off by presenting new outfit choices. ]
Thank you for listening to our concerns. It's reassuring to know we all care about producing good work here - it lets me know I'm in good hands.
[ The new selection sucks as well, but it's at least mostly made up of clothes that are wearable in any context that isn't surfing. That was what McGillis was after to begin with.
He is going to grab the blue shorts instantly, then turn to Argenti. ]
I'd like to call dibs on these, if you don't mind? Blue seems more like my color than yours. It's too bad there isn't any passionate red here to suit you.
[ But Argenti can take his pick freely otherwise. McGillis will even tolerate SUMMER FUN as long as he has something to wear. ]
no subject
But, as for the pickings, he is less choosy himself here. Though he too mourns the lack of red, he has always thought bright colors have suit him best. Therefore, he picks out one set of the ridiculous orange-neon shirt and shorts. It's probably intentional that there's practically no end to these available, while one pair of blue shorts. ]
Alas, it is true that Idrila has not blessed this store with a spot of red to be found in the clothing, but never fear! I shall find my temporary calling as an exemplary model embodying true Beauty with these!
Please, while I do so, display your own Beauty with those suitable blue shorts of yours, and whatever else you may find to your liking.
[ The photographer stares blankly and then says something like hurry up because he wants to have the two start poses already. He's already popping out his first idea:
They'll be posed, one of them sitting on the ground, and the other holding a "peace" sign over the other's head, as if one of them has bunny ears. Of course both of them need to be smiling brightly; the one sitting is going to be winking at the camera too. This grumpy photag person just says this all straightforward. ]
no subject
He remains doubtful about either of them embodying beauty in any of this, but he does feel leagues better once he's changed into the horribly mismatched little outfit. (Notably, McGillis went to change behind a curtain despite only guys being present.)
Now in clothes that are not a) way too hot for the day and b) soaked in copper-smelling dry blood, he's ready to take the photographers suggestion in stride. ]
Well, faking a smile is a skill useful in many situations, but this is one of the more interesting ones. Do you want to take the sitting position? I'll manage smiling, but I don't have practice winking.
no subject
They'll shock the modeling world with their radiant brightness for certain (citation needed, maybe)
The red head also is apparently quite classically proper, let us say, and goes to use one of the changing rooms even if they are both men. But he is so swift in changing clothes his return is like lightning. ]
I have extensive practice in smiling brightly while seated, and winking is absolutely possible for me. Therefore, I shall take on this role and ensure that I shine radiantly with every part of my being with each image. As for smiles, I firmly bel—
[ The photographer groans and tells them to get into position already because apparently Argenti is about to Get Into It again. At this, the Knight clears his throat and moves to sit himself down, winking, smiling, and sparkling for the camera. ]
Whenever you are ready, my new companion!
no subject
[ This is maybe a weird time to notice that they have not exchanged names yet. Hm. This is an awkward time to offer introductions though, so McGillis decides to get the shooting over and done with first.
McGillis was not kidding when he said he knows how to fake a smile - while smiling in his daily life is second nature to him now, it had not always been habitual. Instead, he'd practiced and forced himself for years until the persona truly became second nature.
Giving a proper model smile can't be so different! Though McGillis' expression is bound to be a lot less bright than Argenti's, he actually pulls off the pose and grin pretty well. Argenti is bound to be the center of the image, the part grabbing attention, but McGillis is not going to ruin the composition.
The photographer is visibly surprised that this is going smoothly. That makes him more daring in his next request. How about they throw their arms around each other's shoulders and portray two friends laughing at the beach? He'll also throw in a prop in the form of a giant swim ring to carry over one's shoulder! ]
... good thing our height difference is not that dramatic, huh?
no subject
The second pose request is sufficiently daring, though easily in Argenti's capabilities by far. First, though, he will stand up to his feet, already passing McGillis a bright smile, with a bit of amusement. ]
Yes, quite! Imagine if I were two heads smaller, it would have been a true and difficult trial assigned by Idrila. Though I would have endeavor to fulfill the request nonetheless.
[ He shifts closer and prepares to make a reach so he can throw an arm around the blond's shoulder. The photographer goes to hold out the giant swim ring to McGillis. ]
I do wonder if you are far more used to towering over others... [ A pause as if he is about to pull out a name but realizing he doesn't have one. ] oh, I don't believe I've managed to get your name. Please, do call me Argenti, my fellow companion in modeling!